APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION
AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGY
ACCREDITATION COUNCIL LIMITED
(APAC)
Name of AOU
at
Name of Institution
wishes to apply to the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council Limited for accreditation of the psychology
courses detailed on the attached application. Submission of this application form and payment of the
application fee constitute acceptance of the terms and conditions.
Name of Head of AOU
Signature of Head
Date
Name of Vice Chancellor
Signature of Vice Chancellor
Date
© Australian Psychology Accreditation Limited, August 2010
ABN 26 117 279 857 | PO Box 38, Flinders Lane VIC 8009, Australia
Tel: +61 3 8662 6625 | Fax: +61 3 9663 6177 | apac@psychology.org.au
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Checklist.................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Overview ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Attachment 1: Accreditation of the AOU ............................................................................................................... 5
The Psychology AOU (Standard 2.1)................................................................................................................... 5
Multi-Campus Institutions (Standard 2.2) .......................................................................................................... 6
Academic Staffing (Standard 2.4) ....................................................................................................................... 7
Resources (Standard 2.5) ................................................................................................................................. 11
Teaching Materials and Methods: Managing the Learning Process (Standard 2.6) ......................................... 12
Research Masters and Doctor of Philosophy ................................................................................................... 13
AOU Appendices .............................................................................................................................................. 14
AOU Map ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
Staff Profiles ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Test Library Holdings.................................................................................................................................... 17
Attachment 2: Accreditation of Undergraduate Courses ..................................................................................... 18
Undergraduate 3-Year Sequence Courses (Standards Section 3) .................................................................... 20
Undergraduate Fourth Year (Standard section 4) ............................................................................................ 24
Undergraduate Four Year Sequence (Standard Sections 3 and 4) ................................................................... 27
Undergraduate Appendices ............................................................................................................................. 33
Unit Profiles ................................................................................................................................................. 33
Undergraduate Handbook ........................................................................................................................... 34
Fourth Year Handbook ................................................................................................................................. 35
Attachment 3: Accreditation of Postgraduate Courses ........................................................................................ 36
Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology (5th year) ................................................................................. 38
Fifth and Sixth Year Masters Courses of Professional Education (and Masters / Doctor of Philosophy) ........ 50
Professional Doctorate (Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Years) .................................................................................. 63
Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Psychology (Area of Specialisation) ......................................................... 76
Postgraduate Appendices ................................................................................................................................ 80
Unit Profiles ................................................................................................................................................. 80
Postgraduate Handbook .............................................................................................................................. 81
Postgraduate Research Manual ................................................................................................................... 82
CHECKLIST
Applications for reaccreditation must be submitted to APAC prior to 31 March in the year of assessment. Late
submission may incur a late fee. Please ensure the following have been completed:
 Attachment 1: Accreditation of the AOU (if applicable. Please note that the AOU must be accredited
before its courses can be accredited.)
 Attachment 2: Accreditation of the Undergraduate Courses (if applicable)
 Attachment 3: Accreditation of Postgraduate Courses (if applicable)
 All additional appendices have been included. Where the response to a question is contained in an
appendix, you must provide details of where the information has been included. Some templates are
included for your reference.
 The table of contents has been updated.
 The cover page is signed and dated.
 Cheque made payable to APAC in accordance with the fee structure outlined in Section 2.10 of the
APAC Rules for Accreditation. A more detailed explanation of the fee structure can be found on the
APAC website http://www.apac.psychology.org.au/
 One hard copy of the application form has been sent. This copy should be printed double sided and
enclosed in a lever arch folder.
 Four copies on CD, or preferably memory sticks, of the application form have been sent plus one
additional copy for each postgraduate specialisation.
 A draft site visit agenda has been included. A template can be downloaded from the APAC website, or
found as an appendix to the APAC Rules and Standards.
 Accommodation close to the institution for the assessment team has been recommended.
A note on the table of contents: while including information in this document, any text defined with the style
“Heading 1”, “Heading 2” or “Heading 3” will appear in the table of contents if you right click on the table and
select “Update Field” then “Update entire table”. If you want to include text in this table, but do not wish to
use one of the predefined styles, select the text you wish to include, right click and select “Paragraph”, then
select one of the options from “Outline level”. The outline level “Body text” will not appear in the table. Do not
manually retype the table.
1
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
The institution must submit an application form completed in accordance with the Australian
Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) Rules for Accreditation (Rules) and Standards of
Accreditation (Accreditation Standards) on or before 31 March in the year the Academic
Organisational Unit (AOU) and its programs are to be reviewed for accreditation, or otherwise
within the time specified by APAC.
Upon receipt of the application form and required fee, APAC will:
 appoint a team of assessors to conduct the accreditation assessment (the Assessment Team), if
not already appointed;
 within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the application form, review the material set out in the
application form to determine whether or not further information is required and give written
notice to the applicant confirming receipt, or requesting such further information; and
 appoint dates for site visit/s to the relevant campus/es of the institution, if not already
appointed.
If further material is requested, it must be provided to APAC within fourteen (14) days of the date of
request in order to be considered in the accreditation process.
The onus is upon the institution to demonstrate how the AOU and the programs in psychology being
assessed meet the Standards and that they will continue to do so after accreditation.
Notice of any changes made to the Standards will be provided to all accredited institutions together
with a time frame for compliance with those amendments.
The application fee must be paid to APAC at the time of submitting application forms. The
application fee is calculated as set out in Appendix One of the Rules and Accreditation Standards.
The institution is also responsible to pay any costs of site visits to off shore campuses including
travel, accommodation, meals and taxi fares incurred for the purpose of conducting the site visit or
during the site visit by the Assessment Team or after the conclusion of the site visit, regardless of
the results of the accreditation.
If further courses or programs are added after receipt of the application form, the institution may
be liable to pay a further application fee.
The Assessment Team will provide a site visit report to the Board of Directors of APAC and a
recommendation as to the accreditation or otherwise of the nominated AOU and programs in
psychology.
APAC will endeavour to make a determination as to the accreditation or otherwise of the
nominated AOU and programs in psychology prior to 31 December of the year the review for
accreditation occurs, and notify the institution in writing of the determination. If the site visit is
conducted outside of the accreditation cycle, then APAC will endeavour to notify the institution
within eight weeks of the conclusion of the site visit.
The AOU and programs in psychology will be reviewed against the Standards in force at the time the
application is submitted.
Courses and AOUs which are assessed in the accreditation cycle as being accreditable will be
granted Full Accreditation for a maximum of five (5) years. A grade of Conditional Accreditation may
be made in circumstances where an AOU or its psychology programs do not meet all criteria, but
can demonstrate that the AOU or programs will do so within 12 months of the date of the site visit.
Out of sequence assessments apply only to the balance of time remaining in the cycle during which
the assessment occurs.
Review by the Assessment Team does not guarantee accreditation of any AOU or program in
psychology.
Prior accreditation does not guarantee future accreditation of any AOU or program in psychology.
An institution may appeal the assessment of ‘Accreditation Failed’ of any AOU or program in
psychology in writing addressed to the Chair of APAC. Appeals will be conducted in the manner set
out in the Rules.
A decision of the Appeals Panel will be final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
Each institution agrees to be bound by the rules and procedures for accreditation advised by APAC
from time to time.
2
OVERVIEW
Please complete the following table:
Name of AOU
Address of AOU
Name of Head of AOU
Contact telephone number
Fax number:
Contact email address
University budget group
(e.g., School of Science)
Which courses are you applying for APAC accreditation and/or APS College approval for, including all double
degrees? Degree titles must comply with Standard 2.3, Degree Nomenclature.
Full Qualification Title
Level
Including postgraduate
specialisation
3 year bachelor, 4th year,
5th and 6th year, etc
Campus
Mode of Delivery
Internal, external, etc.
For which psychology courses are you not applying for accreditation?
Full Qualification Title
Level
Including postgraduate specialisation
3 year bachelor, 4th year, 5th & 6th year, etc
3
Which psychology courses have been discontinued since the last accreditation assessment?
Full Qualification Title
Date discontinued.
Including postgraduate specialisation
Day/Month/Year.
Discontinued programs which are being taught-out should maintain APAC accreditation until the last student
completes the program. Discontinued programs can only receive conditional accreditation for a period of 12
months. An APAC application for accreditation of a discontinued (taught-out) psychology program form should
be completed annually until there are no students enrolled in the program.
Please complete the discontinued programs form which can be downloaded from the APAC website at
http://www.apac.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=2228
4
ATTACHMENT 1: ACCREDITATION OF THE AOU
This section of the application form relates to Section 2: General Accreditation Standards of the APAC
Standards for Psychology Courses. Please refer to the Standards when completing this form.
The questions are numbered according to the relevant Standard.
THE PSYCHOLOGY AOU (STANDARD 2.1)
2.1.1: Is the Psychology AOU an identifiable core of psychologists with a recognised Head?
2.1.7: Which codes of ethical conduct are staff required to comply with?
2.1.8: What is the structure of grading within the AOU?
2.1.9: What is the minimum grade a student can achieve in order to progress within the psychology
sequences?
2.1.10: Please outline the AOU’s quality review process focusing on teaching and training in psychology
courses.
Please provide an overview of how the AOU is positioned in the institution and any significant changes to the
AOU since the previous accreditation visit. This should be no longer than one page.
5
MULTI-CAMPUS INSTITUTIONS (STANDARD 2.2)
If there is only one campus in the psychology AOU, please delete this section and move on to Academic
Staffing.
Which campuses are part of the AOU?
2.2.1: Please outline:
(i) staffing and resource levels on each campus
(ii) how students on each campus have adequate access to units, courses and facilities?
2.2.1: (iii & iv) Outline how students on each campus receive an equivalent standard of teaching and course
experience and meet equivalent standards of academic performance?
2.2.2: Which campuses are sufficiently close geographically to offer students direct access to units, courses and
all resources on both without special arrangements being put in place?
2.5.12: If the AOU has a test library, outline how students are guaranteed equity of access to these holdings
irrespective of the campus at which they are based.
6
ACADEMIC STAFFING (STANDARD 2.4)
Please complete the staff profile for all staff listed below.
Name
Psychology
PhD?
Level of
appointment
(e.g., Level A,
Level C)
Fraction of
appointment
in psychology
(e.g., 1.0, .25)
% of time
committed to
teaching the
psychology
course
% time
teaching on
each campus
Psychologist
registration in
Australia?
yes/no
APS
member
grade if
applicable
Eligibility
for APS
member
grade of:
Member
of which
APS
College/s
Eligibility for
full member
of which
APS
College/s
7
Summary of academic psychology staff teaching commitments (in terms of % of time spent teaching in each course).
Name
Undergraduate
4th year teaching
5th and 6th (and 7th) year
teaching
and/or supervision
teaching and/or supervision in
which courses
Postgraduate research
supervision
Academic
coordinator/director role/s in
which courses
8
Summary of support staff. Please do not list staff employed on funds obtained through grants primarily for research.
Name
Position Title
Main Duties
% of FTE time/duties allocated to
psychology.
Campus
9
Please use the accompanying student:staff ratio calculator EXCEL spreadsheet available on the APAC
website to calculate all student:staff ratios required complete the questions and tables below.
2.4.3: Please complete the table below for each psychology course offered.
Summary of student:academic staff ratio (Standard 2.4.3)
Course title (list all
Planned student
Current EFTSL
courses offered)
enrolment per year
Year EFTSL
calculated
FTE staff teaching
contribution
2.4.3 What is the total student:academic staff ratio?
5.1.2: What is the student:academic staff ratio for each postgraduate stream?
Please complete the table below.
Postgraduate Courses
Current EFTSL
List postgraduate steams
offered
FTE staff teaching
contribution
Student:Staff ratio
per stream
Note: When calculating the student: staff ratio, count only students enrolled in the psychology degree
completing the accredited sequence. Do not include students who are enrolled in psychology units as an
elective only.
10
RESOURCES (STANDARD 2.5)
2.5.1: Please detail the arrangements in place to provide the AOU and its academic staff the resources
required to support its research and teaching activities in the following areas:
 Secretarial support
 Administrative support
 Technical support
 Computing support
Please detail the arrangements in place to provide adequate resources to meet teaching requirements for the
following:
 2.5.2: Audiovisual facilities in lecture theatres
 2.5.2: Video recording facilities in professional skills training rooms
 2.5.2: An online learning management system for distance or mixed mode units
 2.5.2: Dedicated undergraduate laboratory space with computer facilities. How many?
 2.5.4: Dedicated laboratory space and facilities for staff and research students
 2.5.5: Standard psychological apparatus required for demonstrating and running a range of
experiments
Please detail the arrangements in place to provide psychology students with access to the following:
 2.5: Facilities for suitably qualified disabled students to undertake study
 2.5.6: Computers beyond those required in formal laboratory sessions
 2.5.7-2.5.8: Do staff and students have access to a computer network with full email facilities, the
internet, on-line databases, as well as statistical packages, spreadsheets and other data and word
processing packages? Please list.
Is there a psychological test library? If so:
 2.5.10: Who has responsibility for the test library?
 2.5.10: Which procedures are in place to restrict access to psychological test materials to qualified
psychologists and students enrolled in assessment and testing units who require access as part of the
syllabus for the unit in which they are enrolled?
 2.5.9: Does the test library have up-to-date copies of the most frequently used psychological tests?
 2.5.9: Does the test library have sufficient up-to-date copies of tests required to support postgraduate
teaching programs and research programs in specialist areas?
 2.5.9: Which AOUs make use of the test library?
 2.5.9: What do each of these AOUs contribute to the purchase of tests and associate materials?
 Please provide a list of all test library holdings, including the number of copies and campuses or
locations the test is held. See AOU Appendices.
2.5.11: Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure:
 Ready access to a comprehensive and up-to-date range of psychology texts, monographs and
journals.
 Substantial and widespread access to appropriate and commonly used psychology electronic
databases.
 Regular training to staff and students in their use.
What is the funding allocated to the purchase of library materials for psychology across all campuses?
11
TEACHING MATERIALS AND METHODS: MANAGING THE LEARNING PROCESS (STANDARD
2.6)
2.6.1: Does the AOU have an online learning management system, if so, how is this resourced?
2.6.2: For each unit, are students provided with a unit outline specifying the content of the unit, the nature of
the assessments, details of textbooks and readings and any other relevant information?
2.6.4: Where a unit is delivered in more than one mode, are the content, objectives, and methods of
assessment the same for all modes of delivery?
2.6.5: In which units is laboratory training offered in undergraduate courses? Please list.
DISTANCE OR OFF-CAMPUS EDUCATION
Which programs are offered by distance or off-campus education? Please list.
2.6.5: Is the laboratory training offered to off-campus students equivalent in content, duration, quality and
outcome to that undertaken by on-campus students?
2.6.6: Are residential schools offered to off-campus students enrolled in undergraduate research units?
2.6.7: Is practical skills training offered in any undergraduate unit? If yes, is this component also available to
off-campus students?
2.6.9: Please provide details of all residential schools for all programs (including 4 th, 5th & 6th years) that are
offered off-campus.
STUDENT EVALUATIONS
2.6.13: Are student evaluations of all coursework units obtained?
What methods do academic staff employ to assess the adequacy of the student learning experience?
2.6.14: Where units are offered in different modes, please outline how comparisons between the performance
of students in the different modes are made to ensure the standards of offerings are comparable.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR OFFSHORE TEACHING
2.6.15: Does the AOU deliver any course offshore? If so, please answer the following:
Are suitably qualified local tutors appointed to provide educational advice and support?
Is there local administrative assistance?
Do students have direct access to staff (i.e., not just through agents)?
Is there adequate access to library, test library and laboratory facilities and is this of equivalent standard to
that provided by the Australian AOU?
12
Please provide evidence of on-going scrutiny of students’ academic progress to ensure they are meeting the
same standards as those required of Australian students.
RESEARCH MASTERS AND DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
This section relates to Section 6: Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Programs of the APAC Standards for
Psychology Courses.
2.1.3: Please provide an overview of the research milieu of psychology within the institution.
Please detail arrangements in place to ensure that the AOU has sufficient qualified staff to provide adequate
supervision and teaching across all research and professional programs offered, irrespective of whether they
are all being put forward for accreditation.
13
AOU APPENDICES
Please include in this section all appendices relating to accreditation of the AOU.
AOU MAP
Please include a map of the AOU.
14
STAFF PROFILES
Please provide the following information for each staff member:
Name of staff member:
Level of position:
Other significant university appointments e.g. Dean:
Time allocated to AOU (100% if full-time, with no other duties having an allocated time commitment):
Type of appointment: (i) tenured/tenure track/contract (ii) full-time/part-time (give fraction %)
Qualifications (Degree, conferring institution and date):
Registration as a psychologist in Australia? Overseas?
Which membership grade of the APS?
If none, eligibility for which membership grade of the APS?
Full Membership of which APS College(s):
Eligibility for full Membership of which APS College(s):
For each APS College where membership eligibility is claimed:

Please briefly outline the relevant practice, including supervised practice within or following a
postgraduate degree, undertaken in this specialisation.

Please outline the tertiary studies or professional development activities undertaken to ensure
coverage of the APS College course content.

Please outline the professional development activities completed in this specialisation over the past
two years.
Professional memberships:
Teaching experience.
For all teaching appointments please provide brief details, name the employing institution, dates of
employment, level of appointment and whether full- or part-time. If part-time, give the proportion. List all
teaching & courses taught in the last 5 years:
Research
(i) Publications. List all publications for the past five years, noting the APS College specialisation where
applicable, using the following categories:
Books, monographs:
Edited books:
Book chapters:
15
Refereed journal articles:
Published conference proceedings:
Non-refereed journal articles and other publications:
(ii) Grants. List all research grants held over the past five years giving in each case the title of the grant, the
names of all grant holders, the funding source, the years in which it was held and the total amount awarded:
(iii) Research supervision.
Please provide the number of students whose theses/research projects you are supervising and the areas of
specialisation where relevant.
Fourth year:
Professional Masters:
Masters by Research:
Professional Doctorate:
PhD:
16
TEST LIBRARY HOLDINGS
Name
Copies
Campus/es
17
ATTACHMENT 2: ACCREDITATION OF UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
This section of the application form relates to Section 3: Undergraduate 3-Year Sequence Courses and Section
2.3 Degree Nomenclature of the APAC Standards for Psychology Courses.
The questions are numbered according to the relevant Standard.
Please complete the following course structure summary table for each undergraduate sequence for which
accreditation is sought, and complete the unit profile for each unit listed below.
Degree Title(s):
Course coordinator:
Year Level
Units Required
E.g. Psych 1
E.g. Psych 2
E.g. Psych 3
Unit Name
% of
Year
Core or
Elective?
Psych 101
Psych 102
Introduction to Psychology A
Introduction to Psychology B
12.5
12.5
Core
Core
Psych 201
Psych 202
Introduction to Psychology C
Introduction to Psychology D
25
25
Core
Core
Psych 203
Psychology Elective A
15
Elective
Psych 301
Introduction to Psychology E
50
Core
Psych 302
Psych 303
Psychology Elective B
Psychology Elective C
25
25
Elective
Elective
Prerequisite(s)
required to
complete this
unit
Psych 101
Psych 101, 102
Psych 101, 102,
201
Psych 101, 102,
201, 202
18
Please complete the following table outlining the contribution made by staff to the undergraduate program(s):
Summary of teaching responsibilities. Please list all teaching staff contributing to the courses.
Course
Name
Duty
% FTE time
allocation per
semester
E.g. Bachelor of Arts
Joe Bloggs
Course coordinator
25
Psych 101 (unit
20
coordinator)
Psych 203
20
Psych 304 (unit
20
coordinator)
Amanda Smith
Psych 102
10
Psych 201 (unit
20
coordinator)
Psych 204
20
Psych 301
20
Peter Jones
Psych 102 (unit
10
coordinator)
Patrick Parker
Psych 202
20
Psych 305
20
Jane Doe
Psych 302
20
Psych 303 (unit
20
coordinator)
Bachelor of Arts
Jane Doe
Course coordinator
25
(Honours)
Psych 401 (unit
25
coordinator)
Thesis supervision
10
Amanda Smith
Psych 402
10
Thesis supervision
10
Peter Jones
Psych 402 (unit
15
coordinator)
Psych 403 (unit
25
coordinator)
Thesis supervision
10
Joe Bloggs
Thesis supervision
15
Patrick Parker
Psych 404
25
Thesis supervision
10
Semester
1&2
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
1&2
1
1&2
2
1&2
2
1
1&2
1&2
2
1&2
Please complete the following relevant section for each course listed above.
19
UNDERGRADUATE 3-YEAR SEQUENCE COURSES (STANDARDS SECTION 3)
2.3.1 and 2.3.2: Course title:
Please outline:


3.1: Course objectives and / or rationale.
Course requirements.
LENGTH OF THE COURSE

3.1.1: Is the length of the course three years full-time or part-time equivalent?
COURSE STRUCTURE.
 3.1.2: Is first year a minimum of 25% psychology?
 3.1.3: Is second year a minimum of 50% psychology?
 3.1.4: Is third year a minimum of 50% psychology?
Do third year students have the option to enrol in more psychology units?
COURSE CONTENT
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:







3.1.6: Students are continuously introduced to the scientific study of psychology.
Students will enter fourth year psychology prepared to pursue advanced studies in a wide range of topics
and to design and conduct quality research.
3.1.6: Students develop skills in conducting a range of practical laboratory experiments.
3.1.6: Students develop report writing skills that conform to the accepted psychological standards.
3.1.9: The content of the lectures, tutorials and laboratories is supported by relevant and up-to-date
reference material.
3.1.10: At all three year levels, students are given formal practical work, with much taking part in
laboratories.
3.1.10: Science and application are integrated wherever possible.
20
COURSE CONTENT - GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
Please refer to Standard 3.1.7 in Section 3: Undergraduate 3-Year Sequence Courses of the APAC Rules for
Accreditation and Accreditation Standards for Psychology Courses when completing this section.
Note: The APAC site visit team may request further information demonstrating how core topics are evident in
a unit. (Standard 3.1.8)
Graduate attribute 1: Core knowledge and understanding.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides education in the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
Abnormal psychology
Biological bases of behaviour
Cognition, information processing and
language
Individual differences in capacity and
behaviour, testing and assessment, and
personality
Learning
Lifespan developmental psychology
Motivation and emotion
Perception
Social psychology
History and philosophy of psychology
Intercultural diversity and indigenous
psychology
Graduate attribute 2: Research methods in psychology.
Please complete the following table outlining how the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
describe the basic characteristics of the
science of psychology
describe, apply and evaluate the different
research methods used by psychologists
demonstrate practical skills in laboratorybased and other psychological research
design and conduct basic studies to address
psychological questions: frame research
questions; undertake literature searches;
critically analyse theoretical and empirical
studies; formulate testable hypotheses;
operationalise variables; choose an
appropriate methodology; make valid and
reliable measurements; analyse data and
interpret results; and write research reports
21
Graduate attribute 3: Critical thinking skills.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
apply knowledge of the scientific method in
thinking about problems related to behaviour
and mental processes
question claims that arise from myth,
stereotype, pseudoscience or untested
assumptions
recognise and defend against the major
fallacies of human thinking
Graduate attribute 4: Values, research and professional ethics.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
evaluate psychologists’ behaviour in
psychological research and other
professional contexts in relation to the
Australian Psychological Society “Code of
Ethics” and the complementary “Ethical
Guidelines”, as well as the Australian
“National Practice Standards for the Mental
Health Workforce”
use information in an ethical manner (e.g.,
acknowledge and respect work and
intellectual property rights of others through
appropriate citations in oral and written
communication)
Graduate attribute 5: Communication skills.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the
topic appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
write a standard research report using American
Psychological Association (APA) structure and
formatting conventions
demonstrate effective oral communication skills
in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion,
presentation) and for various purposes
22
Graduate attribute 6: Learning and application of psychology.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the
topic appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
apply knowledge of legislative frameworks
(including privacy, human rights)
apply knowledge of consumer and carer
participation in psychological care
apply knowledge of psychology, society and the
workplace/influencing systems
describe major areas of applied psychology (e.g.,
clinical, organizational)
demonstrate a capacity for independent learning
to sustain personal and professional development
in the changing world of the science and practice
of psychology
3.1.11: Please make available de-identified copies of a range of marked assignments for each assessment task
in each unit within the program for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
ASSESSMENT
Please detail what procedures are in place to ensure that:




3.1.13: Students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments.
3.1.14: Standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated
with the utmost care and attention.
3.1.15: Student appeals are dealt with appropriately.
3.1.16: Cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct are dealt with appropriately.
AWARDING CREDIT OR ADVANCE STANDING
Please detail the policies and arrangements in place to ensure that:



3.1.17: Students wishing to transfer into the course from another AOU in Australia are only given credit
for units completed in an APAC accredited psychology sequence.
3.1.18: Studies undertaken at non-Australian Institutions are carefully evaluated by the AOU to determine
their strict equivalence to the studies for which credit is to be granted.
3.1.19: Student transferring into the course cover sure all core areas of the discipline by the point of
completion of the degree.
23
UNDERGRADUATE FOURTH YEAR (STANDARD SECTION 4)
2.3.7: Course title:
Please outline:
 4.1: Course objectives and/or rationale.
 Course requirements.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

4.1.1: What are the entry requirements for fourth year?
LENGTH OF THE COURSE

4.1.2: Is the length of the course one year full-time or part-time equivalent?
COURSE STRUCTURE
4.1.3: Do students have the option to complete 100% psychology in 4th year?
COURSE CONTENT
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:

4.1: There is education in the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction,
implementation, and interpretation of some of the more widely used cognitive and personality
assessments, and evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention.

4.1.4: The accredited fourth year must provide students with advanced education and training in some of
the core psychology graduate attributes (based on “Graduate Attributes of the Four-Year Undergraduate
Psychology Program”, available from the APAC website).
Please complete the following table demonstrating the core research areas of the discipline in which advanced
theoretical and empirical knowledge is offered:
Topic in year 4
(Graduate attribute 1, Standard 3.1.7)
Abnormal psychology
Biological bases of behaviour
Cognition, information processing and
language
Individual differences in capacity and
behaviour, testing and assessment, and
personality
Learning
Lifespan developmental psychology
Motivation and emotion
Perception
Social psychology
History and philosophy of psychology
Unit code/s and name of
unit/s the topic appears in
% of total year’s
assessment
Form/s of
assessment
24
Intercultural diversity and indigenous
psychology
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:





4.1.5: The course offers some opportunity for coverage of applied topics and basic skills (e.g., interviewing
skills, fundamentals of psychological testing).
4.1.5: Applied material is based on the scientist-practitioner model and the basis for subsequent training is
emphasised, rather than the mastery of professional skills.
4.1.6: The content of the lectures, tutorials and laboratories is supported by relevant and up-to-date
reference material.
4.1.7: Any placement component consist of no more than 10% of the total fourth year credit points.
4.1.7: Students on placement conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner.
RESEARCH METHODS AND PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH ETHICS
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:
4.1.8: Students are given sufficient grounding in relevant research methods and in professional and research
ethics prior to undertaking any research or supervised testing and assessment.
RESEARCH PROJECT







4.1.10: What is the final assessment weighting of the research project as a percentage and in credit
points?
4.1.11: Does the research project include:
o an individual research question,
o individual intensive empirical literature review,
o individual data analysis,
o individual reporting of results and discussion, but may involve shared data collection.
Do students participate in all steps involved in research? Including the following:
o formulation of research questions
o design of the study including selection of appropriate methodology
o collection and analysis of data to test the research question
o interpretation of the findings and the writing up of the report
4.1.12: Do the research questions being pursued address issues specifically relevant to the field of
psychology?
4.1.13: How are research project supervisors selected, and is at least one supervisor per thesis an AOU
academic staff member?
4.1.14: In what format are research projects presented?
4.1.15: What is the length of the text of the report?
4.1.15: Is data collected for the research project available for inspection?
4.1.16: Please make available de-identified copies of a range of marked assignments (including 4th year theses)
for each assessment task in each unit within the program for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
25
ASSESSMENT



4.1.18: How are examiners selected, and how many are involved?
4.1.19: What is the examination process?
4.1.19: Which procedures are in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?
Please detail the procedures in place to ensure that:





4.1.17: Students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments.
4.1.20: Standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated
with the utmost care and attention.
4.1.20: When was an external audit of student’s work last conducted? Please provide evidence of this.
4.1.21: Student appeals are dealt with appropriately.
4.1.22: Cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct are dealt with appropriately.
AWARDING OF CREDIT OR ADVANCE STANDING

4.1.23-4.1.25: Please outline what policies and arrangements are in place for students wishing to transfer
into the fourth year course from another Australian AOU or from a non-Australian institution.
26
UNDERGRADUATE FOUR YEAR SEQUENCE (STANDARD SECTIONS 3 AND 4)
2.3.3 and 2.3.4: Course title:
Please outline:


3.1 and 4.1: Course objectives and / or rationale.
Course requirements.
COURSE STRUCTURE




3.1.2: Is first year a minimum of 25% psychology?
3.1.3: Is second year a minimum of 50% psychology?
3.1.4: Is third year a minimum of 50% psychology?
Do third year students have the option to enrol in more psychology units?
4.1.3: Do students have the option to complete 100% psychology in 4th year?
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

4.1.1: What are the entry requirements for the four year course?
LENGTH OF THE COURSE

4.2: Is the length of the course four years full-time or part-time equivalent?
COURSE CONTENT (YEARS ONE TO THREE)
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:







3.1.6: Students are continuously introduced to the scientific study of psychology.
Students will enter fourth year psychology prepared to pursue advanced studies in a wide range of topics
and to design and conduct quality research.
3.1.6: Students develop skills in conducting a range of practical laboratory experiments.
3.1.6: Students develop report writing skills that conform to the accepted psychological standards.
3.1.9: The content of the lectures, tutorials and laboratories is supported by relevant and up-to-date
reference material.
3.1.10: At all three year levels, students are given formal practical work, with much taking part in
laboratories.
3.1.10: Science and application are integrated wherever possible.
27
COURSE CONTENT - GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES (YEARS ONE TO THREE)
Please refer to Standard 3.1.7 in Section 3: Undergraduate 3-Year Sequence Courses of the APAC Rules for
Accreditation and Accreditation Standards for Psychology Courses when completing this section.
Note: The APAC site visit team may request further information demonstrating how core topics are evident in
a unit. (Standard 3.1.8)
Graduate attribute 1: Core knowledge and understanding.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides education in the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
Abnormal psychology
Biological bases of behaviour
Cognition, information processing and
language
Individual differences in capacity and
behaviour, testing and assessment, and
personality
Learning
Lifespan developmental psychology
Motivation and emotion
Perception
Social psychology
History and philosophy of psychology
Intercultural diversity and indigenous
psychology
Graduate attribute 2: Research methods in psychology.
Please complete the following table outlining how the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
describe the basic characteristics of the
science of psychology
describe, apply and evaluate the different
research methods used by psychologists
demonstrate practical skills in laboratorybased and other psychological research
design and conduct basic studies to address
psychological questions: frame research
questions; undertake literature searches;
critically analyse theoretical and empirical
studies; formulate testable hypotheses;
operationalise variables; choose an
appropriate methodology; make valid and
reliable measurements; analyse data and
interpret results; and write research reports
28
Graduate attribute 3: Critical thinking skills.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
apply knowledge of the scientific method in
thinking about problems related to behaviour
and mental processes
question claims that arise from myth,
stereotype, pseudoscience or untested
assumptions
recognise and defend against the major
fallacies of human thinking
Graduate attribute 4: Values, research and professional ethics.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the topic
appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
evaluate psychologists’ behaviour in
psychological research and other
professional contexts in relation to the
Australian Psychological Society “Code of
Ethics” and the complementary “Ethical
Guidelines”, as well as the Australian
“National Practice Standards for the Mental
Health Workforce”
use information in an ethical manner (e.g.,
acknowledge and respect work and
intellectual property rights of others through
appropriate citations in oral and written
communication)
Graduate attribute 5: Communication skills.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the
topic appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
write a standard research report using American
Psychological Association (APA) structure and
formatting conventions
demonstrate effective oral communication skills
in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion,
presentation) and for various purposes
29
Graduate attribute 6: Learning and application of psychology.
Please complete the following table outlining where the course provides the skills to do the following:
Topic in years 1 to 3
Unit code/s and name of unit/s the
topic appears in
Form/s of
Assessment
apply knowledge of legislative frameworks
(including privacy, human rights)
apply knowledge of consumer and carer
participation in psychological care
apply knowledge of psychology, society and the
workplace/influencing systems
describe major areas of applied psychology (e.g.,
clinical, organizational)
demonstrate a capacity for independent learning
to sustain personal and professional development
in the changing world of the science and practice
of psychology
COURSE CONTENT (YEAR FOUR)
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:

4.1: There is education in the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction,
implementation, and interpretation of some of the more widely used cognitive and personality
assessments, and evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention.

4.1.4: The accredited fourth year must provide students with advanced education and training in the core
psychology graduate attributes (based on “Graduate Attributes of the Four-Year Undergraduate
Psychology Program”, available from the APAC website).
Please complete the following table demonstrating the core research areas of the discipline in which advanced
theoretical and empirical knowledge is offered:
Topic in year 4
(Graduate attribute 1, Standard 3.1.7)
Abnormal psychology
Biological bases of behaviour
Cognition, information processing and
language
Individual differences in capacity and
behaviour, testing and assessment, and
personality
Learning
Lifespan developmental psychology
Motivation and emotion
Perception
Social psychology
History and philosophy of psychology
Intercultural diversity and indigenous
psychology
Unit code/s and name of
unit/s the topic appears in
% of total year’s
assessment
Form/s of
assessment
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:
30





4.1.5: The course offers some opportunity for coverage of applied topics and basic skills (e.g., interviewing
skills, fundamentals of psychological testing).
4.1.5: Applied material is based on the scientist-practitioner model and the basis for subsequent training is
emphasised, rather than the mastery of professional skills.
4.1.6: The content of the lectures, tutorials and laboratories is supported by relevant and up-to-date
reference material.
4.1.7: Any placement component consist of no more than 10% of the total fourth year credit points.
4.1.7: Students on placement conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner.
RESEARCH METHODS AND PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARCH ETHICS
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:
4.1.8: Students are given sufficient grounding in relevant research methods and in professional and research
ethics prior to undertaking any research or supervised testing and assessment.
RESEARCH PROJECT







4.1.10: What is the final assessment weighting of the research project as a percentage and in credit
points?
4.1.11: Does the research project include:
o an individual research question,
o individual intensive empirical literature review,
o individual data analysis,
o individual reporting of results and discussion, but may involve shared data collection.
Do students participate in all steps involved in research? Including the following:
o formulation of research questions
o design of the study including selection of appropriate methodology
o collection and analysis of data to test the research question
o interpretation of the findings and the writing up of the report
4.1.12: Do the research questions being pursued address issues specifically relevant to the field of
psychology?
4.1.13: How are research project supervisors selected, and is at least one supervisor per thesis an AOU
academic staff member?
4.1.14: In what format are research projects presented?
4.1.15: What is the length of the text of the report?
4.1.15: Is data collected for the research project available for inspection?
3.1.11 and 4.1.16: Please make available de-identified copies of a range of marked assignments (including 4th
year theses) for each assessment task in each unit within the program for inspection by APAC during the site
visit.
31
ASSESSMENT
Please detail what procedures are in place to ensure that:




3.1.13 and 4.1.17: Students receive detailed and timely feedback on their assignments.
3.1.14 and 4.1.20: Standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades
is treated with the utmost care and attention.
3.1.15 and 4.1.21: Student appeals are dealt with appropriately.
3.1.16 and 4.1.22: Cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct are dealt with appropriately.
Assessment of year four research project




4.1.18: How are examiners selected, and how many are involved?
4.1.19: What is the examination process?
4.1.19: Which procedures are in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?
4.1.20: When was an external audit of student’s work last conducted? Please provide evidence of this.
AWARDING CREDIT OR ADVANCE STANDING
Please detail the policies and arrangements in place to ensure that:



3.1.17: Students wishing to transfer into the course from another AOU in Australia are only given credit
for units completed in an APAC accredited psychology sequence.
3.1.18: Studies undertaken at non-Australian Institutions are carefully evaluated by the AOU to determine
their strict equivalence to the studies for which credit is to be granted.
3.1.19: Student transferring into the course cover all core areas of the discipline by the point of
completion of the degree.
32
UNDERGRADUATE APPENDICES
Please include in this section all appendices relating to accreditation of the undergraduate program.
UNIT PROFILES
Code and name of unit:
Year level and semester (e.g., first, fourth):
Coordinator:
Other staff teaching in the unit:
Length of unit (e.g. full year, one semester):
Format of unit (e.g. 1x1 hour lecture and 1x2 hour tutorial weekly):
Value of unit as a percentage of the year:
Any other special requirements of the unit (e.g. placements, additional computing time):
Synopsis of unit (Please provide a succinct description of the unit, stating the objectives of the unit):
Required reading/texts for the unit:
Assessment and requirements for the unit including percentage weighting for each assessment:
Information given to students at the start of the unit (please attach course outline/syllabi):
33
UNDERGRADUATE HANDBOOK
If the handbook is only available electronically to students please supply APAC with the text of this document.
34
FOURTH YEAR HANDBOOK
If the handbook is only available electronically to students please supply APAC with the text of this document.
35
ATTACHMENT 3: ACCREDITATION OF POSTGRADUATE COURSES
This section of the application form relates to Section 5: Postgraduate Professional 5th and 6th Year Courses of the
APAC Standards for Psychology Courses, which includes the Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology, Masters
programs, Professional Doctorates and Graduate bridging courses. If this application for accreditation does not
include assessment of the AOU, please also complete the Staffing and the Resources sections and the relevant
AOU appendices.
Please complete the following summary table for each postgraduate course, and complete the unit profile for each
unit listed below.
Degree Title:
Course coordinator:
Year Level
Units Required
Unit Name
% of Year
Core or
Elective?
36
Please complete the following table outlining the contribution made by staff to the professional postgraduate
program:
Summary of teaching responsibilities. Please list all teaching staff contributing to the courses.
Course
Name
Duty
% FTE time
allocation per
semester
E.g. Master of
Joe Bloggs
Course coordinator
25
Psychology
(Community)
Psych 501 (unit
20
coordinator)
Psych 502
20
Psych 504 (unit
20
coordinator)
Thesis supervision
10
Amanda Smith
Psych 503
10
Psych 601
20
Psych 604
20
Thesis supervision
10
Peter Jones
Psych 503
10
Psych 602
20
Thesis supervision
10
Jane Doe
Psych 603
20
Thesis supervision
10
Doctor of Psychology
Jane Doe
Course coordinator
25
(Clinical)
Psych 511
20
Psych 611
20
Thesis supervision
10
Amanda Smith
Psych 512 (unit
10
coordinator)
Psych 612
20
Thesis supervision
10
Peter Jones
Psych 512
15
Psych 513
20
Thesis supervision
10
Joe Bloggs
Psych 613
20
Psych 614
20
Thesis supervision
15
Semester
1&2
1
2
2
1&2
1
1
2
1&2
1
2
1&2
1
1&2
1&2
1
1
1&2
2
2
1&2
2
1
1&2
1
2
1&2
37
GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (5 TH YEAR)
Please do not complete this form for Masters or Doctoral programs.
2.3.8: Course title:
Please outline:

5.2: Course objectives and / or rationale.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please outline:


5.2.1: Entry requirements.
5.2.2: Selection procedures.
LENGTH

5.2.3: Is the Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology one calendar year of full-time study or equivalent?
COURSE STRUCTURE
Please outline the course structure.

5.2.4: Is at least 90% of the coursework comprised of study in psychology?
o Is it taught by psychologists?

5.2.5 and 5.2.6: What percentage of the course is components are:
o Coursework
o Practica and training skills
ADVISORY/LIAISON AND QUALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE

5.1.4: Please complete the following table providing details of the formally constituted Advisory or Liaison
Committee:
Advisory / Liaison Committee membership.
Name
Role
Affiliation
38
How frequently does the advisory committee meet?
Note: The site visit team may request to see written evidence of activities aimed at auditing and improving the
quality of the training offered (such as reports).
RESOURCES

5.1.5: Outline the facilities available to the School or Department for training students in interviewing, testing
and assessment.

5.1.6: Does the test library should hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies in the area of
specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needs of that course?
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS STUDY/EXPERIENCE

5.1.9 to 5.1.11: Please outline policies for granting credit or advance standing for previous studies.
39
CORE CAPABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
5.1.12: Please indicate the form of assessment for each core capability:
5.1.12(a)
Knowledge of the
Discipline
Overall knowledge of the discipline underpins all of the other capabilities and includes
knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards, theories of
individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology,
the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems.
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Demonstrated capabilities: Strong knowledge of at least:
 relevant psychological theories and models;
 published empirical findings supporting theories (especially those which underpin the
major forms of psychological intervention) and the methods employed to establish them;
 the major methods of psychological investigation and techniques of measurement, and
their application and interpretation; and
 design and implementation of psychological interventions.
5.1.12(b)
The ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice.
Ethical, Legal and
Professional
Matters
Demonstrated capabilities:
 Familiarity with legal and professional matters including:
o the main provisions of the State and Commonwealth Acts and Regulations of
Parliament relevant to psychologists’ work;
o codes of conduct relevant to psychologists’ work including those published by
relevant psychologist Registration Board(s);
o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines;
o confidentiality and privacy issues;
o administrative and record keeping procedures (including adequate clarification of
40
any financial arrangements);
o consent issues;
o issues concerning practice with minors and those unable to provide informed
consent;
o boundary issues;
o sexual propriety;
o psycho-legal issues;
o role and cultural issues, including issues for minority or marginalised groups;
o gender and sexuality issues;
o service needs of vulnerable groups in society;
o registration issues;
o advertising and public statements;
o billing practices;
o the role of the psychologist within the profession and the workplace;
o the roles of other professions and the capacity to report to other professionals
appropriately and to work collaboratively;
o the propriety of relationships amongst psychologists, and between psychologists
and other professionals, employers and clients;
o the mechanisms for the resolution of conflict between psychologists and clients,
colleagues, employers and other professionals;
o negotiated workplace agreements
o note-taking and record keeping
 Conduct or behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and codes of conduct
relevant to psychologists, especially:
41
o ethical and professional behaviour and manner
o State, Territory and Federal Codes of Behaviour for Psychologists and statements
of Clients’ rights;
o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines;
o appropriately clarifying and negotiating the role and responsibilities as a trainee
psychologist;
o record keeping, including demonstrated knowledge of the ethical and legal
implications of administrative and record keeping procedures including
confidentiality;
 Self-evaluation or self-assessment skills, including identification of the limits of one’s
professional competence;

5.1.12(c)
Psychological
Assessment &
Measurement
Ability to apply ethical principles to ethical dilemmas.
The ongoing, interactive, and inclusive process that serves to describe, conceptualise, and
predict relevant aspects of a client (be that client an organization, group or individual).
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Demonstrated capabilities: A strong level of skills and knowledge in conducting systematic
psychological assessment using a wide range of assessment techniques, including:
 the theoretical basis for the assessment techniques used in psychology;
 knowledge of psychometric properties of psychological tests and the ability to use this
knowledge to inform problem formulation;
 test selection - ability to select appropriate assessment techniques and instruments
with proper consideration of issues relating to reliability and validity;
 test administration and interpretive skills, including experience in the skilled
administration and interpretation of at least:
o the current version of an individually administered adult or child test of
intelligence (some examples of appropriate tests include - WISC IV, WAIS IV,
WPPSI-III, Stanford-Binet V, Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test,
42
Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Differential Ability Scales);
o the current version of at least one major standardised test of personality
(examples of appropriate tests include - 16PF, MMPI, CPI, OMNI, NEO-PI);
o the current version of at least one specialised memory assessment (e.g. Wechsler
Memory Scale, Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning); and
o
other tests, appropriate to the learning objectives of the course, which are based
on empirically validated approaches and equivalent accuracy in the measurement
of cognitive or behavioural functioning or an accurate measurement of aptitude,
abilities or skills.
 awareness of limitations of psychological tests with particular reference to notions of
validity, reliability, and cultural issues;
 proficiency in interviewing (structured and unstructured interviews, selection
interviews, survey interviewing, history taking, clinical interviewing for diagnostic purposes
and group-based interviewing);
 systematic observation of behaviour involving both naturalistic and clinical observation
and in using predetermined procedures for observing the behaviour of one or more
persons;
 knowledge of psychopathology and of diagnostic classification systems (including
current versions of DSM and ICD);
 assessment and diagnostic processes (selecting the appropriate assessment tool(s),
administering the assessment tool(s), interpreting the assessment results, interviewing
/micro counselling skills involved in the assessment process, problem formulation and
hypothesis testing);
5.1.12(d)

the ability to competently undertake a mental status examination; and

writing informed, succinct, valid and well organised reports.
Activities that promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of
well being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
43
Intervention
Strategies
services and/or in the case of groups or organizations, restoring or enhancing group or
organizational functioning.
Demonstrated capabilities: Strong skills and knowledge regarding intervention strategies,
including:
 superior interpersonal skills (including the ability to form a professional relationship
including positive working alliances with clients and colleagues);

ability to skilfully negotiate a treatment or service contract;
 ability to use a theoretical system that explains aetiology and remediation of
psychological, social or organizational problems;
 ability to investigate identified issues relevant to the delivery of the interventions (e.g.,
ethical dilemmas, stakeholders);

ability to identify the nature and documented efficacy of potential interventions;

ability to design and/or plan preventative, developmental or remedial
interventions to achieve the best possible outcomes;
 formulation of treatment plans, goals and strategies for intervention including the
ability to justify the link between diagnosis formulation and intervention chosen;
 researching the empirical literature to develop plans for interventions and drawing on
published studies and theories/models relevant to the problem and intervention;

justifying the link between diagnosis/formulation and the intervention chosen;

implementing preventative, developmental or remedial programs and interventions;
 familiarity with a range in intervention techniques and strategies as well as their
theoretical and empirical bases, for both individuals and groups;

counselling skills;
 highly skilled use of core behaviour change skills including counselling and cognitive
behavioural approaches to helping as appropriate in group individual or organizational
44
settings;
 organisational interventions; career development (i.e., helping with career planning in
private or organisational contexts);
 ability to design and implement evaluations of the impact of the interventions (including
the ability to employ appropriate research designs to evaluate the effectiveness of
psychological interventions) including:
o measuring attitude and behaviour change
o evaluation of a client’s response to the initial intervention
o revision of problem formulation and initial intervention if necessary
o program evaluation
5.1.12(e)
Research and
Evaluation
(Note: See also Standards 5.3.12 – 5.3.15 for 5th and 6th year professional Masters research
thesis requirements, and Standards 5.4.6 – 5.4.11 for professional Doctoral thesis
requirements. 5th year Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology and Graduate
Certificate or Diploma in Psychology courses are not required to have a research thesis but
must cover this capability by means of other assignments or coursework).
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and
interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and
scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena.
Demonstrated capabilities: The application of research knowledge and skills to
psychological practice, including:
 finding, understanding, collating and critiquing published empirical research findings
relevant to a phenomenon or problem of interest;

identifying and defining problem situations based on observation and other assessment;

generating hypotheses based problem definition and other information;

designing interventions, therapeutic programs or other means to test hypotheses
45
including an understanding of the principles of single case designs;

designing and implementing program evaluation;

collecting, recording, and analysing responses to interventions or therapeutic programs;
 use of qualitative and quantitative methods, skilled analysis of data, and the ability to
draw accurate research inferences

critical evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and programs including:
o suggesting modifications for future use and
o awareness of issues regarding reliability and validity of observations.
5.1.12(f)
Communication
and Interpersonal
Relationships
The capacity to convey, appraise and interpret information in both oral and written formats
and to interact on a professional level with a wide range of client groups and other
professionals, including:
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
 the ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships and in clinical
settings therapeutic alliances with clients;
 the ability to communicate, interact and liaise for a range of purposes (e.g., discussing
research with other professionals; discussing relevant psychological services with clients,
potential clients);
 the ability to develop knowledge of theories and empirical data on professional
relationships, such as:
o interpersonal relationships;
o power relationships;
o therapeutic alliance;
o interface with social psychology;
o more specific knowledge of the fluctuations of the therapeutic/professional
relationship as a function of intervention setting; and
46
Demonstrated capabilities:
 high level oral communication and interpersonal skills in communicating effectively with
clients, other psychologists, other professionals, the community; individuals, small groups
and agencies from varied cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds,
including:
o rapport building skills
o professional personal presentation
o clarity, accuracy, coherence, organisation and succinctness of communication
o style of communication (appropriateness for audience)
o organisation of communication
o seeking out and understanding information
o personal and professional boundaries in communications

seeking out, understanding and responding appropriately to information provided by a
range of persons in order to adequately meet their needs;
 excellent written communication, including the ability to write, in an organised fashion,
reports and other documents:
o which are informed, succinct, accurate, lucid and well-organised;
o for a range of audiences, including educational, health and legal professionals,
courts, government departments, insurance companies, corporations and other
entities and which clearly communicate the intent of the writer taking into
consideration the sensitivity of the matters under discussion and the capacity of
the reader to accurately interpret the information
47
CORE CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT

5.1.13: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure no student is permitted to graduate from the course
without undergoing formal documented assessment of his/her competence, proficiency and professionalism
in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12 (a-f).

5.1.14: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure no student is permitted to graduate from the course
unless he/she is assessed as having attained a sufficiently high level of competence, proficiency and
professionalism in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12.

5.1.15: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure the AOU can provide clear documented evidence of
the assessment procedures used to assess the competence, proficiency and professionalism of each student
for each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12 and in particular must be able to show
the recorded outcomes of those assessment procedures for each student.
Please make sure documentary evidence is available to the APAC site visit team to substantiate the response to
each of the above questions.

5.1.16: Is the minimum pass grade for each and every assessment task relating to the core capabilities 50%?
COURSEWORK

5.2.7: Outline how foundational education and training in the core capabilities (Standard 5.1.12 (a-f)) are
linked to practical and skills training components of the course.
LOG BOOK

5.1.17 and 5.2.10: Outline log book content and procedure.
Please have available a selection of log books for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
PRACTICA AND SKILLS TRAINING

5.2.8: Please outline how education and training in practical professional skills and knowledge within the
course is primarily aimed at adequately preparing students for a future 6 th year of Registration Board
supervision before registration?

5.2.9: Briefly outline the content of the practica component of the program.

5.2.10: Do students complete at least 300 hours of logged supervised practica and skills training?

5.2.11: Please outline the procedure in place to ensure that students receive adequate training in
professional skills and knowledge which includes ethical decision making for the practitioner prior to
commencement of their first placement.

5.2.13: Do students on placement receive one hour of direct contact by their supervisor for every 7.5 hours
of placement?

5.2.14: Is placement within the AOU supervised by an academic who is a registered psychologist with at least
two years full-time experience as a psychologist since completion of their qualifications?
48

5.2.15: Please complete the following table if the program has external placement supervisors:
Name of External Placement Supervisor

Registration Status
5.2.17 and 5.2.18: What arrangements are in place to monitor and assess student progress during
placements?
Please make available copies of the following for inspection by APAC during the site visit:
 5.2.12: Casenotes written by students as part of a placement.
 5.2.15: Curriculum vitae of all field supervisors.

5.2.17: Supervision contracts.

5.1.18: De-identified copies of a range of marked assignments for each assessment task in each unit within the
program for inspection by APAC during the site visit.

5.1.3: Are the members of staff responsible for practical placement supervision registered psychologists and
eligible for membership of APS?

5.2.16: Is the member of staff who is the practica and skills training coordinator a registered psychologist and
eligible for membership of the APS?
ASSESSMENT
5.1.19: Please outline the procedures in place to ensure that:

Standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated with the
utmost care and attention.

Student appeals are dealt with appropriately.

Cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct are dealt with appropriately.

Students must be required to pass each and every component of the course before the degree can be
awarded.
49
FIFTH AND SIXTH YEAR MASTERS COURSES OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (AND MASTERS /
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY)
Please do not complete this form for Professional Doctorate programs.
2.3.9. 2.3.10 and 2.3.11: Course title:
Relevant APS College:
Please outline:

5.1: Course objectives and / or rationale.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please outline:


5.3.1: Entry requirements.
5.3.2: Selection procedures.
LENGTH OF THE COURSE


5.3.3: Is the Masters course two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent?
o If the course if offered in an accelerated mode is it at least 18 months in duration?
5.3.4: If the course includes a PhD, is it four years of full time-study or part-time equivalent?
COURSE STRUCTURE
Please outline the course structure.

5.3.5: Is at least 70% of the coursework comprised of study in psychology?
o Is it taught by psychologists?

5.3.6 and 5.3.7: What percentage of the course is components are:
o Coursework
o Research
o Practical placement
ADVISORY/LIAISON AND QUALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE

5.1.4: Please complete the following table providing details of the formally constituted Advisory or Liaison
Committee:
50
Advisory / Liaison Committee Membership.
Name
Role
Affiliation
How frequently does the advisory committee meet?
Note: The site visit team may request to see written evidence of activities aimed at auditing and improving the
quality of the training offered (such as reports).
RESOURCES

5.1.5: Outline the facilities available to the School or Department for training students in interviewing, testing
and assessment.

5.1.6: Does the test library should hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies in the area of
specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needs of that course?
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS STUDY/EXPERIENCE

5.1.9 to 5.1.11: Please outline policies for granting credit or advance standing for previous studies.
51
CORE CAPABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
5.1.12: Please indicate the form of assessment for each core capability:
5.1.12(a)
Knowledge of the
Discipline
Overall knowledge of the discipline underpins all of the other capabilities and includes
knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards, theories of
individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology,
the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems.
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Demonstrated capabilities: Strong knowledge of at least:
 relevant psychological theories and models;
 published empirical findings supporting theories (especially those which underpin the
major forms of psychological intervention) and the methods employed to establish them;
 the major methods of psychological investigation and techniques of measurement, and
their application and interpretation; and
 design and implementation of psychological interventions.
5.1.12(b)
The ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice.
Ethical, Legal and
Professional
Matters
Demonstrated capabilities:
 Familiarity with legal and professional matters including:
o the main provisions of the State and Commonwealth Acts and Regulations of
Parliament relevant to psychologists’ work;
o codes of conduct relevant to psychologists’ work including those published by
relevant psychologist Registration Board(s);
o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines;
o confidentiality and privacy issues;
52
o administrative and record keeping procedures (including adequate clarification of
any financial arrangements);
o consent issues;
o issues concerning practice with minors and those unable to provide informed
consent;
o boundary issues;
o sexual propriety;
o psycho-legal issues;
o role and cultural issues, including issues for minority or marginalised groups;
o gender and sexuality issues;
o service needs of vulnerable groups in society;
o registration issues;
o advertising and public statements;
o billing practices;
o the role of the psychologist within the profession and the workplace;
o the roles of other professions and the capacity to report to other professionals
appropriately and to work collaboratively;
o the propriety of relationships amongst psychologists, and between psychologists
and other professionals, employers and clients;
o the mechanisms for the resolution of conflict between psychologists and clients,
colleagues, employers and other professionals;
o negotiated workplace agreements
o note-taking and record keeping
 Conduct or behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and codes of conduct
relevant to psychologists, especially:
53
o ethical and professional behaviour and manner
o State, Territory and Federal Codes of Behaviour for Psychologists and statements
of Clients’ rights;
o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines;
o appropriately clarifying and negotiating the role and responsibilities as a trainee
psychologist;
o record keeping, including demonstrated knowledge of the ethical and legal
implications of administrative and record keeping procedures including
confidentiality;
 Self-evaluation or self-assessment skills, including identification of the limits of one’s
professional competence;

5.1.12(c)
Psychological
Assessment &
Measurement
Ability to apply ethical principles to ethical dilemmas.
The ongoing, interactive, and inclusive process that serves to describe, conceptualise, and
predict relevant aspects of a client (be that client an organization, group or individual).
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Demonstrated capabilities: A strong level of skills and knowledge in conducting systematic
psychological assessment using a wide range of assessment techniques, including:
 the theoretical basis for the assessment techniques used in psychology;
 knowledge of psychometric properties of psychological tests and the ability to use this
knowledge to inform problem formulation;
 test selection - ability to select appropriate assessment techniques and instruments with
proper consideration of issues relating to reliability and validity;
 test administration and interpretive skills, including experience in the skilled
administration and interpretation of at least:
o the current version of an individually administered adult or child test of intelligence
(some examples of appropriate tests include - WISC IV, WAIS IV, WPPSI-III,
Stanford-Binet V, Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test, Kaufman
54
Assessment Battery for Children, Differential Ability Scales);
o the current version of at least one major standardised test of personality (examples
of appropriate tests include - 16PF, MMPI, CPI, OMNI, NEO-PI);
o the current version of at least one specialised memory assessment (e.g. Wechsler
Memory Scale, Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning); and
o
other tests, appropriate to the learning objectives of the course, which are based
on empirically validated approaches and equivalent accuracy in the measurement
of cognitive or behavioural functioning or an accurate measurement of aptitude,
abilities or skills.
 awareness of limitations of psychological tests with particular reference to notions of
validity, reliability, and cultural issues;
 proficiency in interviewing (structured and unstructured interviews, selection
interviews, survey interviewing, history taking, clinical interviewing for diagnostic purposes
and group-based interviewing);
 systematic observation of behaviour involving both naturalistic and clinical observation
and in using predetermined procedures for observing the behaviour of one or more
persons;
 knowledge of psychopathology and of diagnostic classification systems (including
current versions of DSM and ICD);
 assessment and diagnostic processes (selecting the appropriate assessment tool(s),
administering the assessment tool(s), interpreting the assessment results, interviewing
/micro counselling skills involved in the assessment process, problem formulation and
hypothesis testing);
5.1.12(d)

the ability to competently undertake a mental status examination; and

writing informed, succinct, valid and well organised reports.
Activities that promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of
well being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
55
Intervention
Strategies
services and/or in the case of groups or organizations, restoring or enhancing group or
organizational functioning.
Demonstrated capabilities: Strong skills and knowledge regarding intervention strategies,
including:
 superior interpersonal skills (including the ability to form a professional relationship
including positive working alliances with clients and colleagues);

ability to skilfully negotiate a treatment or service contract;
 ability to use a theoretical system that explains aetiology and remediation of
psychological, social or organizational problems;
 ability to investigate identified issues relevant to the delivery of the interventions (e.g.,
ethical dilemmas, stakeholders);

ability to identify the nature and documented efficacy of potential interventions;

ability to design and/or plan preventative, developmental or remedial
interventions to achieve the best possible outcomes;
 formulation of treatment plans, goals and strategies for intervention including the ability
to justify the link between diagnosis formulation and intervention chosen;
 researching the empirical literature to develop plans for interventions and drawing on
published studies and theories/models relevant to the problem and intervention;

justifying the link between diagnosis/formulation and the intervention chosen;

implementing preventative, developmental or remedial programs and interventions;
 familiarity with a range in intervention techniques and strategies as well as their
theoretical and empirical bases, for both individuals and groups;

counselling skills;
 highly skilled use of core behaviour change skills including counselling and cognitive
behavioural approaches to helping as appropriate in group individual or organizational
56
settings;
 organisational interventions; career development (i.e., helping with career planning in
private or organisational contexts);
 ability to design and implement evaluations of the impact of the interventions (including
the ability to employ appropriate research designs to evaluate the effectiveness of
psychological interventions) including:
o measuring attitude and behaviour change
o evaluation of a client’s response to the initial intervention
o revision of problem formulation and initial intervention if necessary
o program evaluation
5.1.12(e)
Research and
Evaluation
(Note: See also Standards 5.3.12 – 5.3.15 for 5th and 6th year professional Masters research
thesis requirements, and Standards 5.4.6 – 5.4.11 for professional Doctoral thesis
requirements. 5th year Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology and Graduate
Certificate or Diploma in Psychology courses are not required to have a research thesis but
must cover this capability by means of other assignments or coursework).
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and
interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and
scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena.
Demonstrated capabilities: The application of research knowledge and skills to
psychological practice, including:
 finding, understanding, collating and critiquing published empirical research findings
relevant to a phenomenon or problem of interest;

identifying and defining problem situations based on observation and other assessment;

generating hypotheses based problem definition and other information;

designing interventions, therapeutic programs or other means to test hypotheses
57
including an understanding of the principles of single case designs;

designing and implementing program evaluation;

collecting, recording, and analysing responses to interventions or therapeutic programs;
 use of qualitative and quantitative methods, skilled analysis of data, and the ability to
draw accurate research inferences

critical evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and programs including:
o suggesting modifications for future use and
o awareness of issues regarding reliability and validity of observations.
5.1.12(f)
Communication
and Interpersonal
Relationships
The capacity to convey, appraise and interpret information in both oral and written formats
and to interact on a professional level with a wide range of client groups and other
professionals, including:
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
 the ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships and in clinical
settings therapeutic alliances with clients;
 the ability to communicate, interact and liaise for a range of purposes (e.g., discussing
research with other professionals; discussing relevant psychological services with clients,
potential clients);
 the ability to develop knowledge of theories and empirical data on professional
relationships, such as:
o interpersonal relationships;
o power relationships;
o therapeutic alliance;
o interface with social psychology;
o more specific knowledge of the fluctuations of the therapeutic/professional
relationship as a function of intervention setting; and
58
Demonstrated capabilities:
 high level oral communication and interpersonal skills in communicating effectively with
clients, other psychologists, other professionals, the community; individuals, small groups
and agencies from varied cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds,
including:
o rapport building skills
o professional personal presentation
o clarity, accuracy, coherence, organisation and succinctness of communication
o style of communication (appropriateness for audience)
o organisation of communication
o seeking out and understanding information
o personal and professional boundaries in communications

seeking out, understanding and responding appropriately to information provided by a
range of persons in order to adequately meet their needs;
 excellent written communication, including the ability to write, in an organised fashion,
reports and other documents:
o which are informed, succinct, accurate, lucid and well-organised;
o for a range of audiences, including educational, health and legal professionals,
courts, government departments, insurance companies, corporations and other
entities and which clearly communicate the intent of the writer taking into
consideration the sensitivity of the matters under discussion and the capacity of
the reader to accurately interpret the information
59
CORE CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT

5.1.13: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure no student is permitted to graduate from the course
without undergoing formal documented assessment of his/her competence, proficiency and professionalism
in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12 (a-f).

5.1.14: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure no student is permitted to graduate from the course
unless he/she is assessed as having attained a sufficiently high level of competence, proficiency and
professionalism in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12.

5.1.15: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure the AOU can provide clear documented evidence of
the assessment procedures used to assess the competence, proficiency and professionalism of each student
for each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12 and in particular must be able to show
the recorded outcomes of those assessment procedures for each student.
Please make sure documentary evidence is available to the APAC site visit team to substantiate the response to
each of the above questions.

5.1.16: Is the minimum pass grade for each and every assessment task relating to the core capabilities 50%?
COURSEWORK

5.3.9: In addition to the core capabilities in Standard 5.1.12 outline where in the course the following are
covered:
o National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce
o Practice management, storing and accessing psychology files and record keeping
o Managing people
 5.3.10: Outline how the coursework component links with both the research and practical components of
the course.
LOG BOOK

5.1.17: Outline log book content and procedure.
Please have available a selection of log books for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
60
PRACTICAL PLACEMENTS

5.3.21: Please complete the following table:
Field Supervisors.
Name

Registration Status
APS College Eligibility Status
5.3.23: Are all field supervisors fully registered psychologists with at least two years relevant experience as a
psychologist since registration?
Please make available copies of the following for inspection by APAC during the site visit:

5.3.21: Curriculum vitae of all field supervisors.

5.3.22: Reports and case notes written by the student bearing the signature of the responsible supervisor.

5.3.27: Supervision contracts.

5.3.28: Interim placement reviews.

5.1.3: Are the members of staff responsible for practical placement supervision registered psychologists and
eligible for membership of the appropriate APS College?
5.3.17: Please outline how education and training in practical professional skills and knowledge, including
ethics, is provided in the course prior to the first placement.
o Please outline the requirements and facilities available for training students in interviewing,
testing and assessment prior to and during placements.
5.3.18: How many total hours of placement are students required to complete?
5.3.18 to 5.3.20: Please outline placement requirements of students.
5.3.19: How are placements selected?
5.3.23: How are supervisors selected?
5.3.26: Is the member of staff who is the placement coordinator a registered psychologist and eligible for
membership of the appropriate APS College?
5.3.25: How is supervision organised?







61



5.3.25: Do students on placement receive one hour of direct contact by their supervisor for every 7.5 hours of
placement?
5.3.25: How are placement and supervision hours calculated?
5.3.27 to 5.3.29: What arrangements are in place to monitor and assess student progress during placements?
ASSESSMENT
5.1.18: Please make available de-identified copies of a range of marked assignments (including theses) for each
assessment task in each unit within the program for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
5.1.19 and 5.3.8: Please outline the procedures in place to ensure that:

Standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated with the
utmost care and attention.

Student appeals are dealt with appropriately.

Cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct are dealt with appropriately.

Students must be required to pass each and every component of the course before the degree can be
awarded.
RESEARCH












5.3.11: Is the project conducted in an area of relevance to the area of specialisation of the course?
5.3.12: How is the research project structured, and which steps involved in research do students participate
in?
5.3.13: In what format are research projects presented?
5.3.13: What is the length of the text of the report?
5.3.7: What is the final assessment weighting or the research project as a percentage and in credit points?
5.3.13: Is data collected for the research project available for inspection?
5.3.14: How are research project supervisors selected, and is at least one supervisor an academic member of
the AOU, holding a doctorate?
How are examiners selected?
How many examiners are involved?
What is the examination process?
Which procedures are in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?
5.3.15: Where applicable, what are the policies governing students seeking to upgrade their enrolment from a
Masters program to a Doctoral program
62
PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE (FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH YEARS)
Please do not complete this form for Masters or Masters/PhD programs.
2.3.12: Course title:
Relevant APS College:
Please outline:

5.4: Course objectives and / or rationale.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please outline:


5.3.1: Entry requirements.
5.3.2: Selection procedures.
LENGTH OF THE COURSE

5.4.1: Is the Doctoral course three calendar years of full-time study or part-time equivalent?
COURSE STRUCTURE
Please outline the course structure.

5.4.2: Is at least 90% of the coursework comprised of study in psychology?
o Is it taught by psychologists?

5.4.3 and 5.4.4: What percentage of the course is components are:
o Coursework
o Practicum
o Dissertation
63
ADVISORY/LIAISON AND QUALITY REVIEW COMMITTEE

5.1.4: Please complete the following table providing details of the formally constituted Advisory or Liaison
Committee:
Advisory / Liaison Committee Membership.
Name
Role
Affiliation
How frequently does the advisory committee meet?
Note: The site visit team may request to see written evidence of activities aimed at auditing and improving the
quality of the training offered (such as reports).
RESOURCES

5.1.5: Outline the facilities available to the School or Department for training students in interviewing, testing
and assessment.

5.1.6: Does the test library should hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies in the area of
specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needs of that course?
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS STUDY/EXPERIENCE

5.4.12: Please outline policies for granting credit or advance standing for previous studies.
64
CORE CAPABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
5.1.12: Please indicate the form of assessment for each core capability:
5.1.12(a)
Knowledge of the
Discipline
Overall knowledge of the discipline underpins all of the other capabilities and includes
knowledge of psychological principles, professional ethics and standards, theories of
individual and systemic functioning and change, dysfunctional behaviour, psychopathology,
the cultural bases of behaviour and organisational systems.
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Demonstrated capabilities: Strong knowledge of at least:
 relevant psychological theories and models;
 published empirical findings supporting theories (especially those which underpin the
major forms of psychological intervention) and the methods employed to establish them;
 the major methods of psychological investigation and techniques of measurement, and
their application and interpretation; and
 design and implementation of psychological interventions.
5.1.12(b)
The ethical, legal and professional aspects of psychological practice.
Ethical, Legal and
Professional
Matters
Demonstrated capabilities:
 Familiarity with legal and professional matters including:
o the main provisions of the State and Commonwealth Acts and Regulations of
Parliament relevant to psychologists’ work;
o codes of conduct relevant to psychologists’ work including those published by
relevant psychologist Registration Board(s);
o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines;
o confidentiality and privacy issues;
65
o administrative and record keeping procedures (including adequate clarification of
any financial arrangements);
o consent issues;
o issues concerning practice with minors and those unable to provide informed
consent;
o boundary issues;
o sexual propriety;
o psycho-legal issues;
o role and cultural issues, including issues for minority or marginalised groups;
o gender and sexuality issues;
o service needs of vulnerable groups in society;
o registration issues;
o advertising and public statements;
o billing practices;
o the role of the psychologist within the profession and the workplace;
o the roles of other professions and the capacity to report to other professionals
appropriately and to work collaboratively;
o the propriety of relationships amongst psychologists, and between psychologists
and other professionals, employers and clients;
o the mechanisms for the resolution of conflict between psychologists and clients,
colleagues, employers and other professionals;
o negotiated workplace agreements
o note-taking and record keeping
 Conduct or behaviour consistent with the legal requirements and codes of conduct
relevant to psychologists, especially:
66
o ethical and professional behaviour and manner
o State, Territory and Federal Codes of Behaviour for Psychologists and statements
of Clients’ rights;
o the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines;
o appropriately clarifying and negotiating the role and responsibilities as a trainee
psychologist;
o record keeping, including demonstrated knowledge of the ethical and legal
implications of administrative and record keeping procedures including
confidentiality;
 Self-evaluation or self-assessment skills, including identification of the limits of one’s
professional competence;

5.1.12(c)
Psychological
Assessment &
Measurement
Ability to apply ethical principles to ethical dilemmas.
The ongoing, interactive, and inclusive process that serves to describe, conceptualise, and
predict relevant aspects of a client (be that client an organization, group or individual).
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Demonstrated capabilities: A strong level of skills and knowledge in conducting systematic
psychological assessment using a wide range of assessment techniques, including:
 the theoretical basis for the assessment techniques used in psychology;
 knowledge of psychometric properties of psychological tests and the ability to use this
knowledge to inform problem formulation;
 test selection - ability to select appropriate assessment techniques and instruments with
proper consideration of issues relating to reliability and validity;
 test administration and interpretive skills, including experience in the skilled
administration and interpretation of at least:
o the current version of an individually administered adult or child test of intelligence
(some examples of appropriate tests include - WISC IV, WAIS IV, WPPSI-III,
Stanford-Binet V, Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test, Kaufman
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Assessment Battery for Children, Differential Ability Scales);
o the current version of at least one major standardised test of personality (examples
of appropriate tests include - 16PF, MMPI, CPI, OMNI, NEO-PI);
o the current version of at least one specialised memory assessment (e.g. Wechsler
Memory Scale, Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning); and
o
other tests, appropriate to the learning objectives of the course, which are based
on empirically validated approaches and equivalent accuracy in the measurement
of cognitive or behavioural functioning or an accurate measurement of aptitude,
abilities or skills.
 awareness of limitations of psychological tests with particular reference to notions of
validity, reliability, and cultural issues;
 proficiency in interviewing (structured and unstructured interviews, selection
interviews, survey interviewing, history taking, clinical interviewing for diagnostic purposes
and group-based interviewing);
 systematic observation of behaviour involving both naturalistic and clinical observation
and in using predetermined procedures for observing the behaviour of one or more
persons;
 knowledge of psychopathology and of diagnostic classification systems (including
current versions of DSM and ICD);
 assessment and diagnostic processes (selecting the appropriate assessment tool(s),
administering the assessment tool(s), interpreting the assessment results, interviewing
/micro counselling skills involved in the assessment process, problem formulation and
hypothesis testing);
5.1.12(d)

the ability to competently undertake a mental status examination; and

writing informed, succinct, valid and well organised reports.
Activities that promote, restore, sustain or enhance cognitive functioning and a sense of
well being in individuals or groups of clients through preventive, developmental or remedial
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
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Intervention
Strategies
services and/or in the case of groups or organizations, restoring or enhancing group or
organizational functioning.
Demonstrated capabilities: Strong skills and knowledge regarding intervention strategies,
including:
 superior interpersonal skills (including the ability to form a professional relationship
including positive working alliances with clients and colleagues);

ability to skilfully negotiate a treatment or service contract;
 ability to use a theoretical system that explains aetiology and remediation of
psychological, social or organizational problems;
 ability to investigate identified issues relevant to the delivery of the interventions (e.g.,
ethical dilemmas, stakeholders);

ability to identify the nature and documented efficacy of potential interventions;

ability to design and/or plan preventative, developmental or remedial
interventions to achieve the best possible outcomes;
 formulation of treatment plans, goals and strategies for intervention including the ability
to justify the link between diagnosis formulation and intervention chosen;
 researching the empirical literature to develop plans for interventions and drawing on
published studies and theories/models relevant to the problem and intervention;

justifying the link between diagnosis/formulation and the intervention chosen;

implementing preventative, developmental or remedial programs and interventions;
 familiarity with a range in intervention techniques and strategies as well as their
theoretical and empirical bases, for both individuals and groups;

counselling skills;
 highly skilled use of core behaviour change skills including counselling and cognitive
behavioural approaches to helping as appropriate in group individual or organizational
69
settings;
 organisational interventions; career development (i.e., helping with career planning in
private or organisational contexts);
 ability to design and implement evaluations of the impact of the interventions (including
the ability to employ appropriate research designs to evaluate the effectiveness of
psychological interventions) including:
o measuring attitude and behaviour change
o evaluation of a client’s response to the initial intervention
o revision of problem formulation and initial intervention if necessary
o program evaluation
5.1.12(e)
Research and
Evaluation
(Note: See also Standards 5.3.12 – 5.3.15 for 5th and 6th year professional Masters research
thesis requirements, and Standards 5.4.6 – 5.4.11 for professional Doctoral thesis
requirements. 5th year Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology and Graduate
Certificate or Diploma in Psychology courses are not required to have a research thesis but
must cover this capability by means of other assignments or coursework).
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
Systematic inquiry involving problem identification and the acquisition, organisation, and
interpretation of information allowing critical analysis and disciplined, rigorous, careful and
scientific inquiry into psychological phenomena.
Demonstrated capabilities: The application of research knowledge and skills to
psychological practice, including:
 finding, understanding, collating and critiquing published empirical research findings
relevant to a phenomenon or problem of interest;

identifying and defining problem situations based on observation and other assessment;

generating hypotheses based problem definition and other information;

designing interventions, therapeutic programs or other means to test hypotheses
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including an understanding of the principles of single case designs;

designing and implementing program evaluation;

collecting, recording, and analysing responses to interventions or therapeutic programs;
 use of qualitative and quantitative methods, skilled analysis of data, and the ability to
draw accurate research inferences

critical evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and programs including:
o suggesting modifications for future use and
o awareness of issues regarding reliability and validity of observations.
5.1.12(f)
Communication
and Interpersonal
Relationships
The capacity to convey, appraise and interpret information in both oral and written formats
and to interact on a professional level with a wide range of client groups and other
professionals, including:
FORM OF
ASSESSMENT
UNIT
 the ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships and in clinical
settings therapeutic alliances with clients;
 the ability to communicate, interact and liaise for a range of purposes (e.g., discussing
research with other professionals; discussing relevant psychological services with clients,
potential clients);
 the ability to develop knowledge of theories and empirical data on professional
relationships, such as:
o interpersonal relationships;
o power relationships;
o therapeutic alliance;
o interface with social psychology;
o more specific knowledge of the fluctuations of the therapeutic/professional
relationship as a function of intervention setting; and
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Demonstrated capabilities:
 high level oral communication and interpersonal skills in communicating effectively with
clients, other psychologists, other professionals, the community; individuals, small groups
and agencies from varied cultural, ethnic, religious, social and political backgrounds,
including:
o rapport building skills
o professional personal presentation
o clarity, accuracy, coherence, organisation and succinctness of communication
o style of communication (appropriateness for audience)
o organisation of communication
o seeking out and understanding information
o personal and professional boundaries in communications

seeking out, understanding and responding appropriately to information provided by a
range of persons in order to adequately meet their needs;
 excellent written communication, including the ability to write, in an organised fashion,
reports and other documents:
o which are informed, succinct, accurate, lucid and well-organised;
o for a range of audiences, including educational, health and legal professionals,
courts, government departments, insurance companies, corporations and other
entities and which clearly communicate the intent of the writer taking into
consideration the sensitivity of the matters under discussion and the capacity of
the reader to accurately interpret the information
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CORE CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT

5.1.13: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure no student is permitted to graduate from the course
without undergoing formal documented assessment of his/her competence, proficiency and professionalism
in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12 (a-f).

5.1.14: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure no student is permitted to graduate from the course
unless he/she is assessed as having attained a sufficiently high level of competence, proficiency and
professionalism in each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12.

5.1.15: Please detail the steps that are in place to ensure the AOU can provide clear documented evidence of
the assessment procedures used to assess the competence, proficiency and professionalism of each student
for each of the core capabilities and attributes listed in Standard 5.1.12 and in particular must be able to show
the recorded outcomes of those assessment procedures for each student.
Please make sure documentary evidence is available to the APAC site visit team to substantiate the response to
each of the above questions.

5.1.16: Is the minimum pass grade for each and every assessment task relating to the core capabilities 50%?
COURSEWORK


5.3.9: In addition to the core capabilities in Standard 5.1.12 outline where in the course the following are
covered:
o National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce
o Practice management, storing and accessing psychology files and record keeping
o Managing people
5.3.10: Outline how the coursework component links with both the research and practical components of the
course.
LOG BOOK

5.1.17: Outline log book content and procedure.
Please have available a selection of log books for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
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PRACTICAL PLACEMENTS

5.3.21: Please complete the following table:
Field Supervisors.
Name

Registration Status
APS College Eligibility Status
5.3.23: Are all field supervisors fully registered psychologists with at least two years relevant experience as a
psychologist since registration?
Please make available copies of the following for inspection by APAC during the site visit:

5.3.21: Curriculum vitae of all field supervisors.

5.3.22: Reports and case notes written by the student bearing the signature of the responsible supervisor.

5.3.27: Supervision contracts.

5.3.28: Interim placement reviews.

5.1.3: Are the members of staff responsible for practical placement supervision registered psychologists and
eligible for membership of the appropriate APS College?
5.3.17: Please outline how education and training in practical professional skills and knowledge, including
ethics, is provided in the course prior to the first placement.
o Please outline the requirements and facilities available for training students in interviewing,
testing and assessment prior to and during placements.
5.4.4: How many total hours of placement are students required to complete?
5.3.18 to 5.3.20: Please outline placement requirements of students.
5.3.19: How are placements selected?
5.3.23: How are supervisors selected?
5.3.26: Is the member of staff who is the placement coordinator a registered psychologist and eligible for
membership of the appropriate APS College?
5.3.25: How is supervision organised?







74



5.3.25: Do students on placement receive one hour of direct contact by their supervisor for every 7.5 hours of
placement?
5.3.25: How are placement and supervision hours calculated?
5.3.27 to 5.3.29: What arrangements are in place to monitor and assess student progress during placements?
ASSESSMENT
5.1.18: Please make available de-identified copies of a range of marked assignments (including theses) for each
assessment task in each unit within the program for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
5.1.19 and 5.4.5: Please outline the procedures in place to ensure that:

Standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated with the
utmost care and attention.

Student appeals are dealt with appropriately.

Cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct are dealt with appropriately.

Students must be required to pass each and every component of the course before the degree can be
awarded.
RESEARCH










5.4.6: Is the project conducted in an area of relevance to the area of specialisation of the course?
5.4.7 to 5.4.8: How is the research project structured, and which steps involved in research do students
participate in?
In what format are research projects presented?
5.3.7: What is the final assessment weighting or the research project as a percentage and in credit points?
5.3.13: Is data collected for the research project available for inspection?
5.4.9: How are research project supervisors selected, and is at least one supervisor an academic member of
the AOU, holding a doctorate?
5.4.10: How are examiners selected?
5.4.10: How many examiners are involved?
5.4.10: What is the examination process?
Which procedures are in place to resolve any discrepancies that arise between examiners?
75
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OR DIPLOMA IN PSYCHOLOGY (AREA OF SPECIALISATION)
This section of the application form relates to Section5.5: Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Psychology (Area
of Specialisation) of the APAC Standards for Psychology Courses.
Please complete the following summary table for each conversion course.
Degree Title:
Course coordinator:
Year Level
Units Required
Unit Name
% of Year
Core or
Elective?
Please complete the following section for each course listed above.
2.3.13: Course title:
Relevant APS College:
Please outline:
76

5.5: Course objectives and / or rationale.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please outline:


5.5.1: Entry requirements.
Selection procedures.
LENGTH OF THE COURSE

5.5.2: How many semesters is the course?
COURSE STRUCTURE
Please outline the course structure.
RESOURCES

5.1.5: Outline the facilities available to the School or Department for training students in interviewing,
testing and assessment.

5.1.6: Does the test library should hold a sufficient range of tests and sufficient copies in the area of
specialisation for each course, where relevant, to meet the needs of that course?
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS STUDY/EXPERIENCE
5.4.12: Please outline policies for granting credit or advance standing for previous studies.
COURSEWORK
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:

5.5.5: Additional supervised placement is linked to additional coursework.

5.5.5: All topics required for the second or additional speciality are covered either in the original
postgraduate training in psychology, or by additional units in the course.
Please complete the following table outlining how the course provides education in the additional core topics
defined by the relevant APS College in the Approval Guidelines:
Topic
Name of unit/s the topic appears in
Year unit/s offered
77
If the course is in a specialisation not offered at Masters or Doctoral level, please also answer the questions in
the Professional Master of Psychology / PhD and Doctor of Psychology section relevant to the course.
LOG BOOK

5.1.17: Outline log book content and procedure.
Please have available a selection of log books for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
PRACTICUM
Please detail the arrangements in place to ensure that:

5.5.3: Additional 500 hours of relevant placement experience is supervised by psychologist(s) who are
members of the additional APS College.
5.3.21: Please complete the following table:

Field Supervisors.
Name

Registration Status
APS College Eligibility Status
5.3.23: Are all field supervisors fully registered psychologists with at least two years relevant experience
as a psychologist since registration?
Please make available copies of the following for inspection by APAC during the site visit:

5.3.21: Curriculum vitae of all field supervisors.

5.3.22: Reports and case notes written by the student bearing the signature of the responsible supervisor.

5.3.27: Supervision contracts.

5.3.28: Interim placement reviews.
78











5.1.3: Are the members of staff responsible for practical placement supervision registered psychologists
and eligible for membership of the appropriate APS College?
5.3.17: Please outline how education and training in practical professional skills and knowledge, including
ethics, is provided in the course prior to the first placement.
o Please outline the requirements and facilities available for training students in interviewing,
testing and assessment prior to and during placements.
5.3.18: How many total hours of placement are students required to complete?
5.3.18 to 5.3.20: Please outline placement requirements of students.
5.3.19: How are placements selected?
5.3.23: How are supervisors selected?
5.3.26: Is the member of staff who is the placement coordinator a registered psychologist and eligible for
membership of the appropriate APS College?
5.3.23 and 5.3.24: How is supervision organised?
5.3.25: Do students on placement receive one hour of direct contact by their supervisor for every 7.5
hours of placement?
5.3.25: How are placement and supervision hours calculated?
5.3.27 to 5.3.29: What arrangements are in place to monitor and assess student progress during
placements?
ASSESSMENT
5.1.18: Please make available de-identified copies of a range of marked assignments for each assessment task
in each unit within the program for inspection by APAC during the site visit.
5.1.19: Please outline the procedures in place to ensure that:

Standards are maintained and that all assessment and awarding of final marks or grades is treated with
the utmost care and attention.

Student appeals are dealt with appropriately.

Cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct are dealt with appropriately.

Students must be required to pass each and every component of the course before the degree can be
awarded.
79
POSTGRADUATE APPENDICES
Please include in this section all appendices relating to accreditation of the postgraduate program.
UNIT PROFILES
Code and name of unit:
Year level and semester (e.g., fifth, sixth):
Coordinator:
Other staff teaching in the unit:
Length of unit (e.g. full year, one semester):
Format of unit (e.g. 1x1 hour lecture and 1x2 hour tutorial weekly):
Value of unit as a percentage of the year:
Any other special requirements of the unit (e.g. placements, additional computing time):
Synopsis of unit (Please provide a succinct description of the unit, stating the objectives of the unit and the
unit outline):
Required reading/texts for the unit:
Assessment and requirements for the unit including percentage weighting for each assessment:
Information given to students at the start of the unit:
80
POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK
If the handbook is only available electronically to students please supply APAC with the text of this document.
81
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH MANUAL
If the handbook is only available electronically to students please supply APAC with the text of this document.
82